Push to find sponsor

Last updated 15:58 11/02/2013

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Destination Queenstown chief executive Graham Budd.

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Destination Queenstown is working overtime to find a major sponsor for the Queenstown Winter Festival after Air New Zealand pulled out, a decision that could potentially threaten the viability of some community events.

Destination Queenstown chief executive Graham Budd said the loss of the airline's sponsorship was hugely disappointing.

He conceded some festival events that did not generate direct revenue may be at risk if a major sponsor replacement could not be found.

He said he was considering the possibility of bringing in outside specialist help to reach out to potential sponsors.

Destination Queenstown was talking to potential major sponsors yesterday, including airlines and others.

Air New Zealand corporate communications manager Brigitte Ransom said the airline had adapted its sponsorship portfolio during the past year "to better align with our goals in the environmental, social and economic areas".